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Dive Review of Dive Kiribati/Captain Cooks in
Kiribati (Christmas Island)

Dive Kiribati/Captain Cooks, Oct, 2005,

by scott johnson, ca, usa (Sr. Contributor Sr. Contributor 20 reports). Report 2143.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 1 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 4 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 3 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments Christmas Island (Kiribati)10-17 thru 10-18-05


I spent the week diving with Kim Anderson the owner of Dive Kiribati he and his staff were great! Talk about the Royal treatment I was the only diver there! How Kim can remember all hose great dive sites is beyond me as there are no moorings. The diving at Kiribati (Kitty-buss) was very good and I compare everything to Palau.

The numbers of small to medium tropical fish abound in Kiribati. On many or the reefs I saw two to three times the number of tropical fish than I have seen in Palau. You will see Sturgeonfish, Peacock Flounders, Nudibranches, Giant Barracudas, Spotted eagle rays, Snappers (many to choose from), Moorish idols, Trevally’s, Mantas, Octopus, Dolphins, Occasional sharks etc. etc. I did not get to see the all the big stuff….They were out in the Poland area or Bay of Wrecks. That is where the Big Wrasse and the Groupers are. I get sea sick and we had a few windy days come up while I was there….got to the sites twice….and we turned around twice.

Unfortunately the Pelagic population has been decimated due to Shark fining and Spear fishing for sport… which is legal in Kiribati. The government should do something to stop this by imposing stiff fines and jail time. Being it is a socialist government, they do not care. What a shame! I believe ten years ago this diving would of exceeded Palau!

This is a worthwhile diving destination. Easy access from the US, only three hours from Honolulu. But…and this is a Big But….be prepared this is the 4th world! If you want contact with the outside world, make sure you bring a satellite phone. Accommodations are less than basic; I stayed at Captain Cooks the nicest motel on the Island. The food was great but the rooms….leave a little bit to be desired for a basic room. Also when you get travel insurance for this destination make sure your Med Vac service includes the Coast Guard as they are the only ones who will respond…within a few hours.

With the new Air Pacific flight out of Honolulu, Christmas Island again has reliable Air service. I will be there again next year!

Kim thanks for everything….I’ll be back.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving palau, cozumel, red sea, chuuk, hawaii, galapagos etc.
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm, choppy, noCurrents
Water Temp 80-82°F / 27-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 1
Water Visibility 40-100 Ft/ 12-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile ?
Enforced diving restrictions only you abilities
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas Squadrons
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 2 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 3 stars
Large Pelagics 3 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities 4 stars
UW Photo Comments [None]
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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